Term 2 - Week 10
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A message from the Principal
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From the Assistant Principal
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Religious Education News
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Teaching and Learning News
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Wellbeing News
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Year 7 Maths Incursion
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Year 8 Pastoral News - Semester One
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Performing Arts - Eisteddfod
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Diverse Learning
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Sport News
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Careers
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2023 Census
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Uniform Shop
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Punchbowl Bus and Transdev NSW Bus Service
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Catholic Education Foundation
A message from the Principal
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Bethany,
Last Sunday St Michael’s Parish at Hurstville celebrated 10 years of the Michaelite Priests being in residence at Hurstville. It was beautiful to attend a Mass concelebrated by 4 wonderful priests and hearing the historical journey of the Michaelites, especially in Papua New Guinea and Australia. I personally thank Fr Janusz and congratulate him on 10 years of dedicated service to Hurstville and especially to Bethany. Fr Janusz remains a deeply caring priest who embraces change and all cultures and is very generous with his time. It has also been wonderful having the presence of Fr George at our College who brings alive the Gospel and inspires our girls to celebrate in a joyful way Mass and in particular Mary as a guiding light. Fr Thomas whom we have met this year has also been very giving of his time to the College.
Lord God, our Father we bless your Holy Name!
We give thanks for all your blessings,
for the gift of each other, and for the priests of the
Congregation of St Michael the Archangel
who lead us in the faith and journey with us within the Church.
Mary Queen of Angels keep the Michaelite Fathers
who minister to us under your loving care.
St Michael the Archangel guard and protect us all!
25 June 2023
Celebrating 10 years of Michaelite Pastoral Care
Yr 7 - 10 Semester 1 Academic Awards
It was wonderful to celebrate the end of the semester for Years 7 - 10 with their Academic Awards Ceremony. One of my favourite takeaways was watching the joy on the faces of girls, their parents and even the grandparents who were in attendance. Some parents have asked me to publish the speech that I made at this ceremony so here it is below. This year we increased the number of awards given with an effort award given for every class. We value effort awards which align with our Vision for Learning of “Together We Grow” as the most that we can ask of each girl is to give her best.
Today, I would like to speak about the pillars of the Bethany learning principles and values which are the Catholic faith, intellect, and character. Girls, as students, you are at a pivotal point in your lives, where you are developing your identities and preparing to shape the world around you. This can mean who you chose to have as friends, what are your likes and dislikes, where your tolerance levels are at and how much you value your education and look beyond yourself to the future. It is essential to recognise the significance of these three interconnected pillars in guiding your journey.
All that we do here at Bethany is focussed on faith, intellect and character. Every single thing.
First and foremost, let us delve into the Catholic faith. The Catholic tradition is rich with teachings that emphasise compassion, love, and service to others. This is evident in our school motto and in each of the year values that you currently have in the form of relationships, acceptance, justice and welcome. It offers a moral compass, providing a framework for how we act and the value that we place on what is given to us. By embracing the values of the Catholic faith, you are encouraged to become not only knowledgeable individuals from what you learn in RE classes but also empathetic and ethical young women who have opinions about homelessness, poverty, domestic violence and Indigenous issues to name a few.
The Catholic faith teaches us to seek the truth, to question, and to be open to dialogue. As teachers, we want you girls to have an awareness of social issues and to embrace differing opinions. Intellectual growth is key for your future, and the Catholic faith embraces this by fostering critical thinking and a thirst for learning. We love it in the classroom when you bring up a thought that is out of the box, this shows that you are engaged in your learning and that you are creative in your thinking. By nourishing your intellect, you can develop a broader understanding of the world, engage in meaningful conversations, and make informed decisions that positively impact society. When you walk out the door after graduating from Bethany, this is what society needs and your parents and our College are hoping that this is who you will turn out to be.
But faith and intellect alone are incomplete without character. Character is the foundation upon which our actions and interactions are built. It encompasses qualities such as integrity, honesty, resilience, and humility. Each of these qualities are hard to argue against. Character includes acceptance of rules which are generally for the common good or good of most. Yes girls it at times involves what you might consider boring and irrelevant such as uniform or grooming rules but your character is on display in your acceptance of rules that you are part of. At times some students may not display good aspects of character if they communicate negatively on social media or do not stand up for what is right. I struggle to find a better example than to use as a test, when we talk about others, would we be happy if this came back to us? Sometimes our character is hurt or perhaps unfairly represented by others and this is where humility is central. Whilst standing up for your beliefs respectfully is encouraged, retribution or getting back at others because they hurt you is not welcome nor is it showing your character at its best. Now all of what I have said is not easy to remember or achieve at all times but having faith, and having the intellect or knowledge helps us with our character if we let it. Character shapes our behaviour and influences the impact we have on those around us. May each of you girls persist with being positive influences on one another.
In today's fast-paced world, where distractions and instant gratification often prevail, the Catholic faith, intellect, and character serve as beacons of light. They provide you with the tools to navigate the challenges and complexities of life, to make responsible choices, and to lead a purposeful existence.
The pillars of faith, intellect, and character extend beyond personal development. It has a profound impact on society as a whole. By embracing these pillars, you contribute to a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world. You become agents of positive change, working towards the betterment of humanity. Each of you as individuals can make a difference by kind words or actions.
I urge you girls to discuss ideas around these pillars with your parents and to reflect upon the immense value of faith, intellect, and character. Embrace the teachings of the Catholic tradition, cultivate your intellect, and strive to further develop a strong character. Through the integration of these three pillars, we hope that you will be empowered to lead meaningful lives and make a lasting impact on the people around you.
Parents thank you for the lessons you teach each day on faith, intellect and character and for supporting us in our pursuits. Your presence here today is testament to this. Congratulations to all award winners for your efforts and achievements but more importantly, thank you to each girl in the room for growing this semester. Sure we have grown at different rates and some may need to put in more effort but overall, each student has trusted us to teach them and in turn, we have also learnt from them. I hope that each family has a wonderful and restful winter break and we look forward to seeing you for a refreshed Term 3 ahead.
Thanks to all parents for attending parent teacher interviews for Years 7 - 10. I hope that the Semester 1 reports together with the interviews have given you some valuable feedback on how your daughter can continue to grow and improve for Semester 2. Having read all reports, congratulations to the following students who have achieved a Principal’s Award for academic consistency this semester.
Semester 1 Principal's Awards | |||
YEAR 7 | |||
Ava Ajjaka | Scarlett Grbevski | Amy McHardy | Leilani Smith |
Savannah Amanatidis | Ava Hatzigeorgiou | Orla McNally | Sharon Song |
Olivia Angelopoulos | Amelie Hearne | Jade Middleton | April Thompson |
Anastasia Berios | Charlise Ho | Kleio Mountakis | Chloe Tran |
Amara Colin-Thome | Scarlett Hoang | Emily O'Mara | Jaslyn Tran |
Abigail Croker | Scarlett Horne | Andromache Papas | Marion Tuazon |
Sophia Flarakos | Sophie Lai | Aurora Pegan | Emily Walsh |
Antonia Golik | Sienna Maguire | Jasmine Politis | Tiffany Wang |
Laisa Gordon | Vassia Mandoukas | Chloe Simmons | Ava Zafiropoulos |
Mya Gorgievski | Amy Maurizi |
YEAR 8 | |||
Madison Abel | Bianca Dos Santos | Despina Michales | Kristina Sertic |
Alana Biju | Leanne Fong | Sybella Newman | Molli Sheehan |
Isabella Borg | Sara Halim | Chloe Ng | Theana Suzanne Tenedora |
Gina Boyd | Chloe Hurley | Mia Nikolovski | Sarah Triulcio |
Alesha Campbell | Lara Kean | Evie Papaellinas | Fiona Vo |
Lilu Ciraolo | Gia Koinis | Renee Papasavva | Rachel Wang |
Chloe D'Astoli | Emilia Koleski | Matea Popovska | Angel Youkhanna |
Lauren D'Souza | Ariel Lee Flores | Zoe Popovski | Angelina Zajakovski |
Mariah Da Silva | Erin McAllister | Ysabella May Savilla | Milla Zlatar |
Destini Do-Nguyen | Angelina Metlege |
YEAR 9 | |||
Hannah Alessandra Cuevas | Madeline Goh | Joanne Lewis | Stella Nottage |
Isabella Bosevska | Chelsea Grdanovski | Amelia Maguire | Grace Pasfield |
Andria Choy | Hunter Howesmith | Maria Manoj | Kiara Ristevski |
Sara Chung | Aleksia Howley | Taliyah Maxwell | Vienna Strauss |
Rebecca Cunha | Emily Kolaroska | Mya Momiroski | Irene Tjoa |
Erini Deretawes | Olivia Kozarovski | Hannah Moore | Bridget Vane-Tempest Stewart |
Aleksa Dimovski | Kayley Lai | Anna Moore | Zamarah Verlinde |
YEAR 10 | |||
Makayla Balzarano | Rylie Ho | Emma McHardy | Nikitha Shaiju |
Harper Bollard | Olivia Jolly | Eleni Mihalidis | Ellie Simmons |
Chelsea Chan | Emily Kariotis | Eve Nanevski | Catherine Smith |
Tianna Choy | Alexandria Kirlappos | Jocelyn Ngu | Daniela Tamayo |
Irene Christodoulou | Eleni Koinaris | Zoe Nguyen | Tabitha Thompson |
Chelena Colla | Christina Koleski | Katheen Oraszewski | Isabel Truong |
Milly Costa | Sienna Losanno | Alicia Pham | Pamela Vissaritis |
Serena Sewberry | Beatrice Luo | Nevada Pikios | Millie Wong |
Claudia Edwards | Phoebe Luo | Isabella Quilkey | Alexia Yalizis |
Alexandra Francis | Lyra Ma | Lucy Savignano | Chrissy Zagoudis |
Emily Haddad | Leah Man Tung Wong | Marianna Scisciolo | Anna Zarich |
Jessica Hanna | Mairead McAllister | Stephanie Sertic |
Today we close out Semester 1, I hope that all families have a restful school holiday break, I will keep the community in my prayers as I take Long Service Leave and I will look forward to rejoining the College in Week 5 of next Term.
God Bless.
Robyn Rodwell,
College Principal
From the Assistant Principal
The last two weeks were not quiet; there were many events and activities that ensured the school was busy and vibrant right until the end of term. Of particular note was our Academic Award Assembly for students across 7-10. Close to 250 girls were recognised for their academic effort and achievement, which is amazing. It was also an opportunity to showcase the creativity of our students, with performances by our choir and slam poets and a great way to conclude the term.
Holiday Classes - Year 12
Thanks to the generosity of our staff who have offered their time in the holidays to revise for the upcoming Trial examinations. Parents will have received Compass notifications outlining the specific details of these classes and should have completed the online consent for their daughter.
Attendance
Over the past few weeks a number of parents have received correspondence regarding their daughter’s attendance. As Term 2 draws to a close, parents and caregivers are reminded to explain this absence through Compass. Alternatively, you can send an email to the College, explaining the absence and this will be updated in Compass for you.
Term 3
School resumes on Monday 17th July and our girls remain in their winter uniform. Please use these holidays to check the length of skirts for your daughters and make any adjustments necessary. The holidays are a great time for our girls to relax the school rules regarding hair, nails and lashes. Have fun but please remember that when we return to school, the usual grooming rules will apply.
Please take a moment to look through the key events taking place in Term 3.
Important dates for Term 3: | |
17 July | Term 3 resumes |
18 July | Year 11, 2024 Subject Selection Interviews |
19 July | Year 9, 2024 Subject Selection Window closes Year 11, 2024 Subject Selection Window opens |
21 July | Vinnies Night Patrol |
23 July | Youth Mass at St Michael's |
26 July | Year 11, 2024 Subject Selection Window closes |
31 July - 14 August | Year 12 HSC Trial Exams |
2 August | Parent information evening - Headspace |
16 August | Year 7 Vaccinations: Dose 2, Visit 3 |
21 August | Bethany Day |
21 September | Last day of classes for students |
22 September | Staff spirituality day |
Have a wonderful and restful break.
Kristina Flanagan,
Assistant Principal
Religious Education News
Rest, A Divine Directive
In Christianity, the concept of rest is significant and God's expectation for Christians to rest is rooted in various biblical principles. The primary scriptural basis for resting is found in the Ten Commandments, specifically the fourth commandment:
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy" (Exodus 20:8-11). This commandment instructs believers to set apart one day in seven as a day of rest and worship.
Resting in the context of Christianity encompasses several aspects:
- Physical rest: Christians are encouraged to take time to rejuvenate physically, recognising that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This involves getting sufficient sleep, taking breaks from work, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
- Spiritual rest: Resting also includes finding solace and renewal in one's relationship with God. Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30). This involves spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, attending worship services, and participating in spiritual disciplines that deepen one's faith.
- Emotional rest: Christians are called to cast their anxieties on God, knowing that He cares for them (1 Peter 5:7). Resting involves finding emotional healing and peace through faith, surrender, and seeking God's guidance in times of distress. It may also include seeking support from fellow believers and engaging in activities that bring joy and refreshment to the soul.
- Sabbath observance: Observing the Sabbath day, as commanded, entails setting aside dedicated time to worship God and abstain from regular work. It is a reminder of God's creative and redemptive work, and it allows believers to prioritise their relationship with Him and experience rest on a deeper level.
Wishing all our families a relaxing holiday break in which you enjoy time with loved ones and rest in God. I offer the following prayer:
Slow Me Down
Slow me down, Lord!
Ease the pounding of my heart
By the quieting of my mind.
Steady my harried pace
With a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me,
Amidst the confusions of my day,
The calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves
With the soothing music
Of the singing streams
That live in my memory.
Help me to know
The magical power of sleep,
Teach me the art
Of taking minute vacations
Of slowing down
To look at a flower;
To chat with an old friend
Or make a new one;
To pet a dog;
To watch a spider build a web;
To smile at a child;
Or to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me each day
That the race is not always won by the swift;
That there is more to life
Than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward
Into the branches of the towering oak
And know that it grew great and strong
Because it grew slowly and well.
Slow me down, Lord,
And inspire me to send my roots deep
Into the soil of life's enduring values
That I may grow toward the stars
Of our greater destiny.
- jesuitresource.org, offered by Dave Johnson and Kyra Shahid; Written by Orin L. Crain
A Community Effort
Thank you to Mr Sartor, Religious Education Coordinator, St Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, students and families of Stage 3 who have contributed significantly to the snack packs that Bethany College takes on Vinnies Night Patrol. This collection will be donated in the first Night Patrol session of Term 3. We look forward to a continued social justice partnership with our primary school neighbours.
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Thank you to all members of our community who have donated so generously to the Vinnies Winter Appeal this year and thank you to Miss Jones for her organisation of the collection.
Youth Mass
Save the date! The first Youth Mass of Term 3 is in Week 1 on Sunday 23 July at 6:00pm in St Michael’s Church. Thank you to Miss Jones and Mr Cindric for their continued support of this celebration.
Sara Camporeale,
Leader of Religious Education and Mission
Teaching and Learning News
Year 12 Trial HSC Preparation
With the HSC Trial Examinations fast approaching students are reminded of the various offerings available to assist with their preparation. During the school holidays there are a number of workshops being offered by teachers to consolidate prior learning and help refine exam techniques. It is expected that students take up the valuable experiences being provided to them by their teachers. Families must provide consent via Compass.
The schedule for the HSC holiday workshops can be found below:
Furthermore, Sydney Catholic Schools are hosting a number of online HSC Masterclasses in Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Economics. Students have been emailed the schedule and invite details for these.
The College Library hours will be extended in Week 1 and 2 for Year 12 students only. This is to provide the girls with a quiet space to complete work and any past paper questions. Teachers will be available during this time to provide feedback and assistance. Students must sign the attendance sheet every day. The schedule for the extended hours are:
- Week 1 - Wed & Thurs until 6pm
- Week 2 - Mon to Thurs until 6pm
Assessment Appeal Procedures
Students are reminded of the procedures outlined in the College Assessment Handbook for any missed task. All students must submit an Assessment Appeal Form upon their return to school. Furthermore, students in Year 9-12 require independent evidence verifying their absence. This can be in the form of a medical certificate or bereavement notice. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in penalties such as mark deductions being imposed. Technical issues are not valid reasons for a non submission of an assessment task.
We ask that families are aware of the requirements specified in your daughter’s Assessment Handbook.
Year 10 Subject Selection Interviews
A reminder that Year 10 subject selection interviews will occur onsite on Tuesday 19 July from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Families will be provided with the Year 10 Allwell results from the exams sat earlier this term. Please book your interview using the following steps:
- Go to the web page https://bookings.parentteacheronline.com.au?school=b9x5y
- Parents/Caregivers must request a new individual PIN when bookings open via their email from the PTO login screen. The PIN will be emailed to you by clicking on OBTAIN PIN/PASSWORD. (The parent email address entered must match the email address shown below). When you have been sent your PIN code, you can access the PTO website and make your booking.
- Enter surname as shown <<Surname>> and PIN.
The Subject Selection window will open after school on Wednesday 19th July and close on Wednesday 26th July.
Students are required to choose 12 units which must include 2 units of English and at least 1 unit from any of the Religion courses offered. Students are able to make as many changes to their preferences during the window.
Year 8 Subject Selection Window
The subject selection window remains open for all year 8 students to submit their choices. Students must choose 1 x 200 hour elective, 2 x 10 hour electives and 2 reserves. The window closes on Wednesday 19th July, with students able to make as many changes before this date. Once preferences have been submitted, students are to print their selections, have them signed by a parent and then returned to Student Services by Thursday 20th July.
Dorian Kipriotis, Sarah Rowland,
Leader of Curriculum Leader of Data and Growth
Wellbeing News
Attendance Matters
Regular presence at school increases learning opportunities and academic progress, builds habits such as responsibility, perseverance, punctuality and commitment, and helps to develop social and emotional character through deepening resilience, belonging and friendships. Please continue in Semester Two to encourage your daughters to be present at school every day possible and communicate with us if necessary.
The table below lists the percentage attendance for each Year group in Semester One:
Congratulations to Year 7 and Year 12 with the highest percentage attendance as Year groups, and to all students who prioritise attendance at school. Stay tuned for the Bethany Year group attendance challenge next term…..
Year 12 Student Leadership Team news
Our Year 12 Student leadership team have excelled themselves over the past term in creating, running or being involved in initiatives that serve others. Below are three articles from students involved in these events:
School Sustainability and Environmental Leadership Meeting Janna Mobellan (Wellbeing and Environmental prefect):
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Bethany College Clothing Drive and Thrift Market
Maanasa Akula (College Vice-Captain) and Janna Mobellan (Wellbeing and
Environmental Prefect):
“Sustainable fashion is not a trend, but the future.” Antonia Böhlke
Last Friday Bethany Students were invited to browse and shop at Bethany’s first ever ‘Thrift Market’, which consisted of clothing donated by the Bethany Community.
Created by our student leadership team as an initiative to combat clothing waste, promote sustainable fashion, and benefit disadvantaged communities, the Bethany College Clothing Drive and Thrift Market was an opportunity for students to help their local community.
A large amount of clothing was donated, and we thank all those who donated so generously. We are pleased to announce that this event was a success, raising $445.70. All profits and remaining clothing are to be donated to St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies).
This initiative was an excellent example of sustainable fashion, and how we can help our community and the environment simultaneously. We thank all students and staff for their support and encouragement of our girls to continue their efforts in celebrating school spirit!
Year 12 Study skills session for Year 11
Gabrielle Burton, Hannah Cabot, Eve Bray (Year 11 Student representatives):
On Tuesday in our Assembly period, our Year 12 leaders generously spent their time providing year 11 with valuable tips and tricks on how to succeed in the preliminary and HSC courses. The girls promoted the need for planning, organisation and structure to maximise our productivity, efficiency, and reduce pre-exam stress. They equipped us with new methods to study, write notes and approach assessment tasks. We were also encouraged to try out certain time management and planning apps, in addition to helping us decide what type of learners we are so that we can discover personalised ways to study efficiently and effectively.
Overall, it was an extremely helpful experience - the girls provided us with many valuable strategies that we will most definitely implement as we approach our prelims next term. Thank you year 12, we are all very grateful for your time and tips.
Please join us on Tuesday August 1st for our second Parent information night for the year.
Practitioners from Headspace will speak on adolescent growth and development, as well as understanding mental health in young people - what it is, when to be concerned, what to do. The evening will take place in the College library and parking is available onsite. Could you please complete this form as your RSVP.
Holiday activities that your daughter may be interested in:
Free 3Bridges Youth Holiday Program (Penshurst)
3Bridges Youth Zone is hosting activities for young people in school years 6 to 12 during the school holidays. Includes cooking, craft, pool competition, and board games. No bookings required. Drop-ins for Juniors in years 4–7 and Seniors from 16–21 years. Also rooftop basketball at Hurstville Westfield.
Tuesday 4 July to Thursday 13 July, 3–7:30pm, weekdays
Penshurst Park Youth Zone, 643 King Georges Road, Penshurst
Enquiries: contact Jesse Mawson on 0438 390 630 or jesse.mawson@3bridges.org.au
Flyer
Winter Games Night for Teens (Rockdale)
Bayside Libraries is hosting a free Winter Games Night for young people aged 13 to 18. Includes board games, badge making and pizza.
Thursday 6 July 5–7pm
Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale
Bookings
Shopfront Arts Co-op: Stop. Drop. And Listen! (Carlton)
Shopfront Arts Co-op's new theatre production by the Senior Ensemble's local teenagers explores big problems, with French chefs, fungus, magic, and turtles. Suitable for young people 12+ and adults.
Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 July, 7-8pm,
Sunday 16 July 5pm, matinee Friday 14 July 12pm
Shopfront Arts Co-Op, 86-88 Carlton Pde, Carlton
More information and bookings or contact Lily Hayman on 9588 3948 or lily.hayman@shopfront.org.au
Flyer
Think Eat & Move: Online healthy lifestyle program for teens
This 8-week online healthy lifestyle program is free for young people aged 13 to 17 in the Central and Eastern Primary Health Network (CESPHN) area (includes Bayside, Georges River and Sutherland Shire). Participants learn about healthy eating, physical activity and healthy habits. Includes weekly coaching calls, resources and motivational freebies. Organised by CESPHN and the Better Health Company.
Friday 14 July to Friday 8 September, appointments 4–8pm weeknights
More information Registration
Charlotte Buxton,
Leader of Wellbeing
Year 7 Maths Incursion
On Tuesday the 13th June the Year 7 cohort experienced their first Maths incursion at Bethany. They had one hour of problem solving and fun interactions, and the following day the Years 8 and 9 Newman maths classes had their chance and join in for a full day workshop. The incursion was an interactive, fun and challenging day with competitions, problem-solving and collaborative tasks. The feedback from the students was very positive.
“We first paired with friends and later with students from a different year group and collaborated to win challenges and solve problems together. We built a bridge together and our aim was to make the longest span. Everyone came up with different strategies and tactics for their best chance of winning. Overall it was an unforgettable experience that left students inspired, motivated and equipped with valuable mathematical thinking." - Bianca and Hina
“The competition element of everything was very exciting and everyone supported each other when they won. Each round gave us a new chance to apply previously learned skills and win a variety of chocolates.” - Iris and Alana
“We worked together on a series of Maths related questions that could be algebraic, words or patterns. Each colour of questions progressed to be more difficult and have a higher number of points. In the time allowed the team with the highest scores were rewarded with chocolates." - Chloe
“It was so fun. Me and my friends had a good day. People of all ability levels were engaged." - Ysabella and Angelina
“The last activity of the day included building challenges, where the students were tasked with building the tallest tower with limited time and resources, and given a limited amount of time to build the most intricate and creative structure with wooden blocks. After the challenges were completed the chocolate prizes were handed out to the students who earned the most points for each activity." - Hunter
Anne-Maree Donnelly,
Acting Maths Coordinator
Year 8 Pastoral News - Semester One
Throughout Semester One, Year 8 have been focusing on the understanding of empathy. We commenced this in Year 7 by engaging in a workshop called In Her Shoes, and the students produced and performed role plays to demonstrate empathy. I have continued with this theme to reinforce the importance of kindness. Firstly, to ourselves and then, to others. While kindness may be a simple concept, we must work at it.
Kindness is ... offering to do something for someone else because you want to, not because you have to. Doing something for someone even though you don't expect anything in return. Being generous, tolerant and accepting.
The pastoral teachers have been leading their classes through activities and engaging conversations, and we would love to hear your feedback on how Year 8 have been kind at home and out in public. Aesop, the ancient Greek storyteller, once said, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." If random acts of kindness take work, try this challenge: do one small, kind thing each day for someone. Then pay attention to the impact on you!
Katrine Barnes,
Year 8 Coordinator
Performing Arts - Eisteddfod
Congratulations to Eden Fernando who was awarded first place in the advanced piano solo category at the SCS Eisteddfod on Saturday 17th June. Eden competed against other students across Sydney Catholic Schools. We are incredibly proud of her achievement!
Clare Moroney,
Performing Arts Coordinator
Diverse Learning
Performing Arts program and Creative Experiences for students.
Sydney Catholic Schools is committed to promoting excellence in the arts for all students. As part of this commitment SCS has employed Artists in Residence to provide professional learning and techniques through in situ workshops, coaching, and demonstrations in a wide range of skills across Dance, Drama and Music.
This program recognises the positive impact of the performing arts on the whole person. Workshops are designed to stimulate cognitive development, to enable social interaction, and develop interpersonal skills and to contribute to positive self-esteem and personal expression.
Students took classes facilitated by Sally Dashwood and Rachel Beck who are performers in film, television, theatre and cabaret. A massive thank you to our facilitators for their guidance and support.
Jina Sotirios,
Diverse Learning and Learning Support
Sport News
Sydney Catholic Schools Representative Sport Update - Junior Football
Last week our Junior Football Team played in the Conference Grand Final against Marist Penshurst. It was such a close game, with the final score 2-4, the girls finishing in second place. The girls showed dedication and team spirit, and it was great to see the support of the Intermediate Football Team for the Juniors. Congratulations to Danielle Raad who was awarded the Players’ Player for the match!
The team progressed to the Sydney Catholic Schools Quarter Finals on Thursday 29th June, playing at Ador Park in Rockdale against Clancy Catholic College, where they won 2-0.
Sydney Catholic Schools Gymnastics Competition 2023
On the 23rd of June, eight competitors headed out to the Sydney Aquatic and Gymnastics Centre for a day of competition with twelve other Sydney Catholic Schools. This year's team was Phoebe Gerasimou, Sofia Prastalo, Alicia Kozevski, Eve Yik, Ava Zafiropoulos, Tahlia Duff, Amelia Maguire and Sienna Maguire. The team was supported throughout the day by gymnastics coach Liz Andrews, the ex-Bethany student responsible for initiating Gymnastics here at Bethany over fifteen years ago.
It was a very successful day for the team, with Bethany College coming in 5th Place overall. Thank you to the parents who attended; you added support and encouragement to the team.
SCS GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023 | |
SCHOOL: | PLACE: |
St Ursula's Kingsgrove | 1st |
Domremy College Five Dock | 2nd |
Clancy College Hoxton Park | 3rd |
INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENTS | ||||||
Competitor | Vault | Beam | Bars | Floor | Overall Individual Place | |
LEVEL 4 | Phoebe Gerasimou Sofia Prastalo | |||||
LEVEL 5 | Alicia Kozevski | = 3rd | ||||
LEVEL 5 | Eve Yik | 1st | ||||
LEVEL 6 | Ava Zafiropoulos | 2nd | ||||
LEVEL 7 | Tahlia Duff | |||||
LEVEL 7 | Sienna Maguire | 1st | ||||
LEVEL 7 | Amelia Maguire | 3rd | 2nd | = 2nd | 2nd |
SCS U16s Rugby League Trials
Congratulations to the following students who have been invited to trial for the Sydney Catholic Schools U16s Rugby League Team on Wednesday 19th July. Students selected in this team will go on to compete at the NSWCCC Rugby League Carnival in August. Good luck to all!
NSWCCC Rugby 7s
Congratulations to Jessica Brightwell who competed at the NSWCCC Rugby 7s event last week. From this event, Jessica has been selected into the U16 NSW Rugby 7’s team and will go into camp for a week to attend the Australian All Schools rugby competition.
Alongside this, Jessica and her sister, Sophia Brightwell, were selected into the Sydney University U16s Rugby State Cup team that competed at State Championships over the long weekend. Their team won the Sydney Cup and also came runners up in the State Cup.
Congratulations to our Sports Captain Tameeka Johnson in Year 12 on her outstanding performance at the recent NSW All Schools Secondary Swimming Championships. Tameeka won all 3 backstroke events (50m, 100m and 200m) and she broke the NSW record in the 200m, dragging herself out of bed to swim! This qualifies her for School Sport Nationals, which will be held in Sydney this year in August.
Rachel Bevan,
Sport Coordinator
Careers
Macquarie University Guaranteed Entry Ranks
If your selection rank (your ATAR plus relevant adjustment factors) is the same or above what is published for the course you wish to study, then you’ll receive an offer to study at Macquarie – as long as you have listed this course as your highest eligible preference.
https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/pathways/schemes/guaranteed
Macquarie University Open Day: 12 August
Many of the Macquarie degrees are co-designed with industry, which means they’re shaped by the latest industry trends. Double degrees can be personalised – you choose the combination you consider will best kick-start your career. Practical experiences are built into all degrees, so you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the current and future challenges of your profession.
https://event.mq.edu.au/open-day
Western Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Evening
15 August - Campbelltown
16 August - Penrith (Kingswood)
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Students Information Evenings at Western Sydney University is an opportunity to hear about what programs are on offer and how Western can help you during your studies. Learn about the different pathways to study, the support services available, scholarships on offer and life on campus.
Reminder: ACU Guarantee early offer application process and student panel webinar: 18 July
The ACU Guarantee program offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on your Year 11 results. Join to learn detailed information on how to apply to this early offer program, and hear current students share their experiences.
University of Canberra Receive an early offer: closes 27 August
Current Year 12 student applying to UC for undergraduate study next year could receive an early admission offer under the August Early Offer Round using criteria other than your ATAR. You can apply for the August Early Offer Round at UC in two easy steps:
Step 1 – ensure your Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) application includes courses that are available for selection in this offer round.
Step 2 – complete this supplementary form, ensuring you upload your Year 11 grade results.
https://www.canberra.edu.au/future-students/apply-to-uc/early-offer-round/supplementary-form
UNSW Co-op Applications Now Open: Online Application Closes 30 September
The first step is to Register Online to start your application. The earlier you do this, the longer you’ll have to work on your application. Having trouble registering? Check out the simple tutorial below. Make sure you review the application questions and start drafting your responses.
Remember the Co-op Program is looking for what makes you stand out from the crowd. Include enough detail in your answers to showcase who you are, what experience you have and why you should be chosen. A list of achievements is a good start, but an explanation about how these achievements have helped you grow as an individual is much better!
https://www.coop.unsw.edu.au/apply
UCAT Practice Tests and Question Banks
These example questions and practice tests are produced by the UCAT Consortium and are representative of the live test. It is recommended you use these official materials to prepare for your test. Don't forget to read the information about the Test Tools before you start, as it explains how to use the on-screen calculator and keyboard shortcuts.
https://www.ucat.edu.au/prepare/practice-tests/
UCAT Test Day
It is important to read this information to ensure your test day runs smoothly. The information below outlines the test centre experience. You should familiarise yourself with the UCAT ANZ Examination Rules before your appointment. These explain what you must do if you have any issues during testing. Please also refer to the Test Day Problems section.
https://www.ucat.edu.au/sit/test-day/
HTN Chef Apprenticeships
HTN’s baseline apprenticeship offering for prospective cooks and will provide a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30813) outcome. Anyone can apply, candidates who can demonstrate commitment and a sincere passion for cooking are selected and contracted to HTN. After extensive discussion regarding experience and career expectations, apprentices are then matched to a suitable Host within the Network. Throughout the duration of the Apprenticeship, there are opportunities to train and work with a number of Host Businesses.
https://htn.com.au/total-chef-professional/
HIA Building Apprenticeships
Our apprentice program guarantees that you will learn every facet of the industry that you need to know from the most experienced and skilled HIA members. You will learn on the job training and mentoring with a mix of training courses to make sure you become a fully qualified tradesperson. You can then decide if you want to continue working for someone else or whether you want to become your own boss.
https://hia.com.au/careers-and-learning/become-an-hia-apprentice/how-do-i-apply
ICMS Early Entry Now Open
Applications for Early Entry for 2024 are now open!
Early Entry is designed for high-achieving HSC students who want to secure a place at ICMS in February 2024 before sitting their final exams. If you don’t believe that Early Entry is the right Alternate Entry Pathway for you, consider applying for the Elite Athlete/Performer Pathway Program or the Leadership Entry Program. Alternatively, make a Direct Application.
https://www.icms.edu.au/future-students/entry-pathways/early-entry/
Torrens University – Tour the Campuses
Ultimo | Design: 46 – 52 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW
Surry Hills | Health, Business and Hospitality (campus tours starting soon): 17-51 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills, 2010
Leura (Blue Mountains) | Hotel Management: 1 Chambers Road, Leura, NSW 2780
It’s your chance to explore the facilities and meet Course and Careers Advisors.
https://www.torrens.edu.au/whats-on/campus-tours
Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) Open Day: 15 July
Open Day is a great way to explore courses and career pathways. It gives you a taste of college life and what ACPE is all about. You will have the chance to explore the campus, talk to academics, support staff and current students, and discover your pathway to ACPE.
Stephen Donlan,
Careers Advisor and Year 12 Coordinator
2023 Census
Dear Parents & Carers,
On August 4, Census for schools will take place. Linked are the Sydney Catholic Schools 2023 Census Privacy Notice, Privacy Policy and Standard Collection Notice, which we are required to send to all families which advises you of the Census. Occasionally, personal information in regard to student details and background data are required to be passed onto Government agencies.
Robyn Rodwell,
College Principal
Uniform Shop
2024 Winter Pants
We invite you to join us in a discussion regarding our Winter uniform, as we explore the possibility of introducing pants as an option for the 2024 Winter uniform. The current College tunic (years 7 - 9) and skirt (years 10 - 12) would remain the compulsory College uniform, with pants being offered as an added option during colder months. It would then be parental choice whether to also purchase the pants.
Uniform Shop July school holiday trading hours:
Punchbowl Bus and Transdev NSW Bus Service
From Saturday, 1 July 2023, the bus services providers previously known as Punchbowl Bus and Transdev NSW (Veolia) South Pty Ltd will change their name to U Go Mobility South West. There will be no change for students with an existing Opal card. Transport will update these student entitlements to be listed under the new operator, U Go Mobility South West. For new SSTS School Opal card applications, students, parents or guardians will need to nominate U Go Mobility South West as their bus operator.
If you have any questions or concerns, please submit your enquiry via the link below: